Learn how to paint a monogram on your fabric chair.

Can we still be friends if I tell you I painted my chair?

I couldn’t help it.

Blame it on the paint brush.

This is my office at the gatehouse and this is exactly what you see when you walk in the front door and look to the left.

I love these desk chairs.

I bought them at a junk store and had them recovered and added padding and nail-head trim and gray and white striped fabric and they looked perfect….

….except.

Except they needed some red lipstick…..

….bright pink to be exact. 🙂

Sometimes you need a bright pink monogram to complete the look.

I always knew that the chair needed a pink monogram.

You were probably thinking the exact same thing.

It just took me a while to get up my courage to paint it.

I was nervous….I mean….seriously….paint hot pink paint on light gray and white fabric?

{gulp}

But once I started….once I brushed the first line of hot pink paint and it popped and made the chair look like it was ready for its own reality show….

….I wondered why I had waited so long. 🙂

Have a chair or a pillow or tablecloth or table runner that you know needs a little something extra?

Here’s how to paint a monogram.

Psssst…..you can do this.

I know you can. 

Adding a pop of color with a monogram can work on almost any fabric.

How to Paint a Monogram

My monogram stencil- to make sure there are no errors.

1.  Design  your monogram

I think this is actually the hardest step.

I made mine on PicMonkey (www.picmonkey.com).

Looking for monogram etiquette?  Here’s all you ever wanted to know and so much more about how to monogram.

After you design it….enlarge it to an 8 x 10 and print it out.

Here's how to transfer your monogram onto the fabric.

2.  Transfer your monogram

You want to give yourself an outline to paint….so you want to transfer the monogram onto the fabric.

Flip over your paper and rub a pencil along the monogram.

Make sure you cover the entire outline that you want to transfer onto the fabric.

Affix your stencil to your surface and prepare to transfer.

3.  Center your monogram and trace

Place your monogram where you want it on the fabric and then trace with a pencil.

Make sure not to press your hand to hard on the sheet of paper because you don’t want extra graphite transferring onto the fabric.

Trace the monogram onto the fabric to transfer our design.

When you are done….it will look something like this.

Make sure all the lines transfer and re-trace any gaps in the lettering until you have a finished three-letter-guide in pencil.

Now you’re ready to paint.

Now it's time to paint your monogram.

4.  Paint your monogram

Here’s a few painting tips:

If you paint with acrylic paint directly onto fabric….it will dry and make the fabric hard where you painted.  Simply add a fabric medium to your acrylic paint.  You can find fabric medium at any craft store….but here’s a good one from Hobby Lobby so you know what you are looking for.

Use a brush with a slanted tip and a wide top….it makes it so much easier to swirl out and come to a fine point.

Look to the printed monogram for guidance.  The penciled outline doesn’t have thicker and thinner lines like the printed monogram does.  Mimic those lines on your monogram.

Paint a lighter coat first.  Let dry.  Then add a second coat for even coverage.

Have fun. 

It’s only fabric. 

Right?

You can always add a swirl here and there to cover up any mess-ups…..

….at least that’s what I told myself holding a paint brush dripping hot pink paint over a light gray and white fabric.

So happy that my self agreed. 🙂

PS  Here’s some more fun monogramming ideas.

Here's how to paint a monogram on fabric- so easy!

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Comments

  1. Image for Thrift My House Thrift My House

    Beautiful! I was holding my breath till you were done... this project made me nervous! I know me, there'd be a large pink square on the back of each chair Ha! You are talented and brave! Love your monogramed chairs! They are perfect for your office!

  2. Image for Louise Louise

    Those chairs are gorgeous and the monogram....priceless! Definitely a work of art that makes the chair, heck it makes the whole office...love, love, love it! Thanks for the tutorial. Hmm-m-m....am I brave?

  3. Image for Lisa @celebrate-creativity.com Lisa @celebrate-creativity.com

    Hi Karianne, this turned out beautifully. I have to find a chair to try this on now. Hmmm, maybe a pillow. Your monogram is adds a lovely personalized touch to the entire room. Easy instructions too. I like that. What's the "D" stand for?

  4. Image for Kimm at Reinvented Kimm at Reinvented

    Beautiful! Love that pink. I'd be the one that dropped a big glob of gorgeous pink all over my equally gorgeous fabric. Then I'd write the "How Not To Paint a Monogram" post. ;)

  5. Image for Nana Presley Nana Presley

    Love it - now I just need you to do the same with my headboard - I knew something was missing and that is it! What a wonderful way to update and bring a personal aspect to your room. Have a fabulous say in your fabulous office.

  6. Image for Suzi Suzi

    Yes, I did know. Got an SOS text from the chairs one evening just BEGGING for a pink monogram ;-) guess you got the text too.

  7. Image for Donnamae Donnamae

    What a fun office! How are you able to work surrounded by such gorgeousness? Glad you agreed with yourself...great monogram! ;)

  8. Image for Peggy Zortman Peggy Zortman

    You are braver than brave! Loving pink lipstick right now! And thank you for the pointers on monogram etiquette.

  9. Image for Janet Cole Janet Cole

    I had always been told the ladies' initial goes first...I am mortified that's not the case! I will just be forced to paint over the existing incorrect monograms in the house.

  10. Image for Sherry Sherry

    You are brave and talented, it looks so good! What paint/medium would you recommend for something washable like a pillow cover or runner? Thanks

  11. Image for Marisa Franca @ All Our Way Marisa Franca @ All Our Way

    Hot Pink & Vixen Red. Yep!! That is so you! Now I just know that NOTHING is safe in my house -- it will have monograms everywhere. Thank you KariAnne for the tips but I have an important question to ask you -- what does the "D" stand for?? Inquiring mind wants to know :-)

  12. Image for Kathleen Kathleen

    Mom always said, "If nothing else, wear lipstick!" You've added the perfect decorative touch to an already smashing room with this pop of gorgeous bright pink! I must confess I would be fearful working with that bright paint on light grey ~ this from one who knocked over white gesso (only half a tub ~ quick reflexes) onto the carpet, just trying to make a small change to a canvas! But we now have stained concrete floors! I'd have to have extra fabric on hand & the upholsterer lined up, too! I'm sure, though, that *you're* very careful & protect everything ~ that you don't just "start without thinking!" Love the monogram & as always, many thanks for ALL the hints you share!

  13. Image for Yvonne @ StoneGable Yvonne @ StoneGable

    What a great post. I love love love this sassy chair! My hair may not be done and I may not have showered but I ALWAYS have my lipstick on! So does your gorgeous chair! Pinning and featuring on facebook!

  14. Image for Diana W. Diana W.

    GAH!!!! Love. Love. Love it! Light gray, white and fuschia pink? Whaz UP????? Yeah baby! That's the combo! I'm going to do it in my dining room. I adore you and love the way your mind works! Have I mentioned that lately?

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